Mick and I, with Robert and Stella, took the ferry this morning to Rangitoto Island, the site of the most recent volcano in the Auckland area. It erupted about 600 years ago forming the island by leaving a pile of volcanic rock in the harbour. Nowadays it is a pest free area, with no permanent residents, just a few holiday homes round the edges of the island.
There are a number of walks on the island, and we took the summit walk. The lower stretches of the island are still largely composed of volcanic rock, with the occasional plant among the black rocks. You can see the volcano summit in the distance here.
As you climb higher on the island the amount of vegetation gradually increases, and the views over Auckland harbour get better and better. It was a busy walkway with lots of couples and families enjoying the last of the Easter weekend, and a wonderfully sunny day.
By the time we were half way up the visible rocks had all but disappeared, and the vegetation was thick and healthy. Interestingly it is only about 10 years since the possums were eradicated on the island and the vegetation has thrived ever since.
At the summit of the climb you can see into the crater of the volcano, though this is just a large depression full of trees and shrubs. No water accumulates in the crater as the rocky surface is so porous.
At the very top there was a lookout with views 360 degrees round the harbour. There were also a surprisingly large number of wasps! We had a picnic lunch at the top, then set off to find the walk to the lava caves.
Lava caves are produced when the outer lava flow solidifies, but the inner section remains fluid, then drains out before setting, leaving large tunnels behind. We found a small tunnel, then followed the path through a much larger tunnel. Tree roots hung down in places, and we needed a torch to see (photo taken with flash!). The rocks being so new were very abrasive, and we were very careful not to fall or trip in the darkness.
Back at the bottom of the island we had time to visit one of the old holiday homes, now preserved as a museum. It was full of items we remembered from our early days, including lots of teapot cosies.
We took the boat back, but then got off at Davenport for a look round the shops/galleries and to find an ice cream.
As the clocks changed here yesterday it was getting towards dusk as we returned into the city. We drove back to Robert and Stella's home, and enjoyed a very nice meal before a welcome retirement to bed. Not a long walk today, but quite a lot of hill climbing in hot sunshine.
No plans yet for tomorrow, but as it is our last day in NZ we know that trying to pack our bags for the return flights is going to be part of it.
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